Brussels, 28/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and several ministers for foreign affairs have called for calm in Egypt after the clashes in Port-Saïd, which left 50 dead and thousands wounded. “Greatly concerned about the violent clashes in Egypt (…) the EU urges the Egyptian authorities to restore calm and order and calls on all sides to show restraint in the best interest of the country at this delicate time in its democratic transition”, said Ashton's spokesperson. He added that the EU takes note of President Morsi's call on 27 January for a dialogue with the key opposition leaders, and that it calls “for the talks to take place in an open and constructive manner to overcome the current political crisis”. “It is of the utmost importance that the confidence and trust of all Egyptians in the transition process is restored”, he concluded.
The British minister of foreign affairs for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, condemned the violence in the strongest terms on 26 January, stating that this cannot help the process of dialogue, which he believes is vital for Egypt. In a press release he said that they call on all parties to show restraint and to ensure that all demonstrations remain peaceful. The Swedish minister, Carl Bildt, said he hoped sincerely that Egyptian society will be able to unite to truly achieve the democratic objectives of the revolution.
The violence began on 26 January after 21 supporters of the local Al-Masry football club were sentenced to death for their involvement in the death of 74 people after a football match in February 2012 (see EUROPE 10545). Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi declared a state of emergency in Port-Saïd on Sunday, and later in Suez and Ismailia, and he also declared a curfew. He called for a national dialogue for 28 January - a dialogue refused by the opposition. (CG/transl.fl)